Allen 5F1+ 112 Combo

High and low gain inputs, boost switch works on both inputs, volume, tone, and master controls, standby switch. This is a single ended amp with a tube rectifier that cranks out about 10 watts with an EL34 or 6L6. The circuit is based on the old tweed Fender champ. This amp does not have reverb but I don't like reverb and didn't want that taking away from the tone. The solid pine cabinet is about the size of a Fender Hotrod Deluxe and baffled for a 12" speaker. This is a huge plus as most low powered amps offer only a small cabinet with a 10 or 8" speaker. I installed a celestion G12H30. While not loaded with features, everything offered is very functional and simple, just the way I like it. A boost footswitch jack would have been cool but it is supposed to be a simple design.

The low gain input with the boost off is classic soft clean Fender and quiet enough for church performance. The boost switch seems to roll off a bit of the bass to prevent things from becoming too boomy at higher volumes. The high gain input can put you into Led Zep/Deep Purple territory if desired with plenty of sustain and some cool feedback. This amp is loud enough to play small gigs with a full band. The low gain input probably doesn't have the headroom for loud bars but that is the nature of the design. It does what it is suposed to do very well. The ability to switch output tubes is a big plus. In my opinion, the 6L6 is best when the low gain input is used and sounds great when playing slide. The EL34 gets the nod for the high gain tones and when playing a Strat in positions 2 and 4. I have had this amp for only about a week so I am still exploring sounds. I haven't found a bad tone yet.

I built this from a kit so reliability is my responsibility. This is my first kit project and this amp does not hum or make any other wierd noises. All parts seem to be high quality with large American made transformers. I don't anticipate any problems.

Dave Allen is a great guy to deal with. His service is second to none. He answers emails within hours and always notifies you when your order ships. He decided a different spec bias resistor would be better suited to the EL34/6L6 and sent it to me without me asking. I would buy from him again.

I know it looks a little lame when someone gives 10's across the board but I am overwhelmed with this amp. I spent a lot of time researching amp companies before settling on Allen Amps. This low powered amp has big amp tone and none of the common small amp boxiness.